bow building question

[citori]

I have wanted to build my own bows for a while, but I have one important question to ask. I have no experience at all in this stuff so any and all info would be great.

I draw 30" so what are my options?  Selfbows, wood laminate only, glass laminate(I know this is possible)?????  What will take my 30" draw???  I also shoot light draw weights 45# and less at 30" if that will make a differnce.

I REALLY REALLY would like to build a osage bow with bamboo backing 68-70" long that is in the low 40's# at 30 inches.   Is that possible???

Just trying to figure out what my options are.

thanks
citori

[ks_stickbow]

All of the above are possible....for your 30" draw your just gonna need a longer piece of wood then for some one like me that draws 26". You should be able to make 68" or 70" bend to 30" without much trouble...If you get your hands on a nice peice of yeller give chasing a ring a try...everyone should chase a ring before they die....the rest aint no different then building one for 22' or 28"....etc.

[mmgrode]

All those are definitely possible citori, especially at your weight.  It's all in the design.  In fact I just built one for a guy that ran 66#@30". Here's a picture of it:

 
Run down to the library or buy online the first two traditional bowyer's bibles.  Read them and you'll get a good feel for what bowbuilding is all about(concepts, procedures, etc.).  Another good resource is Dean Torges' video "hunting the bamboo backed bow" for building bamboo backed bows.  Good luck, Matt